On Sunday, the 21st January 2018 I was fortunate to join millions of women across the globe to say “Time’s up” to gender inequality and sexual harassment and abuse by attending the Time’s Up Rally organised by Women’s March London.

Following a surge of sexual harassment and abuse allegations, recent ridiculous gender pay gap statistics and the Weinstein Scandal, campaigns such as Time’s Up have ignited, with both women and men uniting to protest against exploitation and to promote change.

In London, campaigners like myself, gathered on Richmond Terrace, opposite Downing Street and braved the heavy rain and sleet to show our support to such an indispensable cause. Protesters including women and men of all ages held up signs with a variety of messages including “Equality 4 all” and “Fight like a girl”. Likewise, I held up the slogan “Our rights aren’t up for grabs and neither are we”.

Fellow student Sophie Martin, also from Kingston upon Thames, spoke to me about her experience of the march and why it is such an important movement: “Time’s up is important because it is about time things like sexual harassment are addressed because it has always been swept under the carpet, especially when it comes to cat calling. Despite the cold weather trying to dampen our moods we all persisted on the day and came together as one. This was very empowering and was also comforting to know there are many people who believe in equality for all.

With speeches being given by activists such as Helen Pankhurst, great granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst (leader of the British Suffragette movement), a message of resilience was enforced. It is vital that we continue to call out inequality in order make a positive change to the way society functions in both 2018 and the future. Activists discussed matters regarding sexual abuse and harassment, anti-islamophobia and anti-transphobia, and really pressed the need for equality both in the workplace and everyday life.

I believe it is extremely important to use the power you have to promote change, and so urge people of all ages to stand up for their rights because time really is up on gender inequality.

Natasha Astley, Tolworth Girls' School